Evolving Annual Congress Reflects Society’s Growth By Margaret Mann, MD, FAVLS • Co-Chairman Education Standing Committee
W
e are approaching the 36th Annual Congress of the American Vein & Lymphatic Society in New Orleans on October 13-16. I am amazed as I consider our Annual Congress’s transformation in just a few short years.
never miss a lecture occurring in one room while participating in a session elsewhere. There were undoubtedly some perks to a virtual congress. Nevertheless, I hope that I am the “one and only” Chair to ever reside over a 100% virtual Congress of the AVLS!
I was privileged to serve our Society and the field in general as the 34th Congress Chair in October 2020. During this unprecedented COVID pandemic,
we pivoted from an in-person event planned for Washington, DC, to a 100% virtual Congress. Thanks to the foresight of our leadership and the herculean effort of our volunteers and Society staff, we made an amazing transition in a matter of a few months. We managed to keep the complete Congress program intact and even created a few social events to preserve the spirit and camaraderie, which defines our AVLS Congress. The final 2020 program had 658 participants logging in from the comfort of their homes or offices worldwide to watch our real-time broadcasting. For the first time, attendees had the opportunity with on-demand session recording to earn over 72 hours of CME and
The AVLS Congress is such a comprehensive endeavor providing continuing education across all facets of venous and lymphatic medicine to all walks of life in our field. There really is “Something for Everyone!” Physicians can learn the latest advancements in treating superficial, deep, and pelvic venous disease and how to incorporate the treatment and management of Lymphedema or leg ulcers in their practice. Attendees can learn and interact with the leading minds in our field from the US and the world. Additionally, our program continues to be inclusive of learning opportunities for our Nurse, Sonographer, and Therapist members and attendees, recognizing 30
